Local News

A priest who spent two years at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Glenwood, has been placed on indefinite administrative leave after an Allegation Review Committee for the Diocese of Des Moines determined he sexually abused a minor.

The alleged abuse by Rev. Howard Fitzgerald took place decades ago, according to a statement released last week by the diocese. Bishop Richard Pates apologized to the victim, who asked for anonymity.

She greets her students with hugs and a warm smile. Her enthusiasm for learning is contagious and she motivates children to want to come to school every day.

Those are just some of the complimentary words a parent chose when writing about Margo Young in a nomination letter for the prestigious Lakin Foundation outstanding teaching award, an honor the Northeast Elementary first-grade teacher received at the conclusion of the 2013-14 school year.

Basketball and tennis players in Glenwood have some refurbished courts to perfect their talents on thanks to the commitment of the Glenwood Park Board and a substantial donation from the Glenwood Optimist Club.

The outdoor basketball court and two tennis courts at the city’s recreation complex on the east edge of town were recently resurfaced with an acrylic overlay, repainted and restriped by a team of workers from Nebraska City-based Tennis Courts Unlimited.

Practicing veterinary medicine in Glenwood has been a passion and a privilege for Dr. William Rishel.

“It’s not just a job, it’s a way of life,” Rishel said last week as he reflected on his 41-year-career at the Glenwood Veterinary Clinic that came to a close Monday with his retirement. “It’s a bittersweet-type thing. This has been my love for 41 years. It will be different, but I think it will be a good different. I won’t know what else is out there because I just don’t have time to do anything else right now.”

A 25-year-old Glenwood woman has been charged with child endangerment after allegedly causing extensive injuries to a 9-month-old in her care.

Alyce Finn, 25, was charged with child endangerment resulting in serious injury, a Class C felony, June 9. After turning herself in to authorities last Tuesday, Finn was released with a promise to appear in court June 24. Her trial is set for Aug. 26. A Class C felony is punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.

Criminal charges have been filed against a former Glenwood Community High School social studies teacher.

Russell Crouch, 38, is facing charges of sexual exploitation by a school employee, an aggravated misdemeanor, and supplying alcohol to a minor, a serious misdemeanor. He was arrested Friday afternoon after turning himself in to authorities. If convicted of the charges, Crouch could face up to three years in prison and possible fines up to $6,250. He would also have to register as a sex offender.

A popular teacher and speech coach at Glenwood Community High School has resigned after being place on administrative leave pending the results of an internal investigation.

Russell Crouch, who has taught history at the high school since 2006, tendered his resignation two days after being placed on paid administrative leave. The Glenwood School Board accepted Crouch’s resignation at a May 22 special board meeting. Crouch was not present at the meeting.

A 66-year-old Glenwood man was arrested Friday and charged with first-degree kidnapping, two counts of second-degree sexual abuse and indecent contact with a child.

Daniel L. Walden, who resides at 1414 Gateway Dr., is accused of sexually abusing a child under the age of 12 after luring the child into his home. The age and gender of the victim is not being released to protect the child’s privacy, Mills County Attorney Eric Hansen said.